Investigation Underway On Black Hawk Crash In Afghanistan; Part Of 106th Air National Guard

Westhampton Beach - The United States Air Force is currently investigating a helicopter crash that occurred in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 16 in the vicinity of Kabul, Afghanistan. The helicopter is said to have been part of the 106th Air National Guard, based out of Westhampton Beach. There were no reported injuries.

The crashed black hawk helicopter was forced to make a hard landing while in the middle of a medical evacuation mission. There were noreported injuries. Image courtesy of Webcenters

According to Air National Guard Col. Mary Ann Cline Monday, enemy fire was not to blame for the "hard landing" the U.S. Black Hawk helicopter had to make while in the middle of a "medical evacuation mission." Cline was not sure if the aircraft was on its way to or from the mission.

The colonel noted that during the crash, the Black Hawk rolled over, and was found "upside down, nestled between buildings." However, she explained, the unusual position of the aircraft was one of the reasons everyone on board was able to walk away from the crash. According to Cline, there were approximately seven people on board.

Col. Cline also clarified that due to pending investigation, there is very little information the Air National Guard can release at this time. She said the Air Force will send personnel over to Afghanistan, and that the investigation will last approximately 30 days. Since enemy fire is not to blame, Cline indicated the Air Force will most likely be looking for equipment failures or weather related complications as factors in the crash.